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Electrical Wire and Cable


Dangers of Warm Electrical Outlets and Aluminum Wiring

How to Fix Aluminum Wiring Problems: Making Aluminum Wiring Safe, How to Correct the Most Common Problems with Outlet Wiring.


Electrical Video #1

Generator Automatic Transfer Switch
and Electric Circuit Sub Panel

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NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos
Will Display at the End of This Video
So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!

Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Guide to Aluminum Wiring Problems
Electrical Question: My friend has a single wide trailer over 20 years old. She installed a window air conditioner unit with a large output but I can’t say just how large, probably 7,500 to 12,000 BTU’s.

Thanks for your consideration,
Tom

This electrical question came from: Tom, from New Haven, Missouri.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Tom.

How to Fix Aluminum Wiring Problems

Application: Troubleshooting an Outlet Circuit.
Skill Level: Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester or Volt Ohm Meter.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type and age of the electrical wiring and the access to the circuits and wiring to be evaluated.
Precaution: This is a project that should be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor and typically requires specific tests of the electrical circuits.
Notice: Repairs to Home Electrical Wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes and installing new or replacement electrical parts or equipment may require a permit and inspections.

Tom, this is a very serious condition that should be taken care of right away.

Making Aluminum Wiring Safe

Outlet wiring connections should be made by using copper wire pigtails that would then be used for the connection to each outlet. The splice connectors that are to be used must be rated for aluminum and copper wiring and contain an approved anti-corrosion ointment. Due to the nature of aluminum wiring being so soft and fragile with the smaller gauges, this process must be done carefully.

How to Correct the Most Common Problems with Outlet Wiring

More about Electrical Wiring

Electrical Outlet Wiring
outlet-wiring

Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home

Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

Circuit Wiring

Electrical Circuit Wiring

This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

Electrical Circuit Breakers
2-pole-circuit-breaker

Home Electrical Circuit Breakers

A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

Guide to Home Electrical Wire
electrical-wire

Electrical Wire for the Home

Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Electrical Video #2

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet

without a Ground Wire

Check out my YouTube Channel and Subscribe to my Videos
» AskTheElectrician «

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos
Will Display at the End of This Video
Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!

Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.



Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


More articles about Aluminum Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring:
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Dangers of Warm Electrical Outlets and Aluminum Wiring”
  1. Deanna says:

    I’ve noticed my outlets and light switches are warm to touch. Only the ones on exterior walls. I live in a 1980’s trailer. I’m worried about aluminum wiring. Could it just be because it gets to high 90’s since it is only the exterior outlets and switches?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Deanna, Great Question,
    If outlets or switches are warm to touch then they should be inspected by a qualified electrician. Aluminum wire can create loose connections as it expands and contracts with temperature variations, and the temperature variations may be due to the electrical circuit load, or as you have stated, the ambient temperature at the location. Loose electrical connections can lead to damaged circuit components which may escalate to a severe fire hazard. An electrician can reduce this hazard by making sure the wiring connections to each switch and outlet have been updated with copper wire lead wires, and installing approved AL/CU splice connectors between the aluminum and copper wires. I would seriously encourage you to consider having this service performed as soon as possible.
    Be Safe,
    Dave